About this Event
On this trip we will explore Rye Harbour’s shingle, lagoons and grazing marsh to see a wide range of resident and visiting species in the heart of winter.
The event is suitable for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher.
We expect to see a good mix of winter wildfowl (Wigeon, Pintail, Teal), waders (Golden and Grey Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Dunlin), and raptors such as Peregrine and Marsh Harrier, with a chance of Merlin. Sea ducks and divers are possible offshore.
The high tide is in the late morning, which should work well to see waders roosting on the reserve.
We will divide into two groups to walk round the reserve to allow more space in the hides. You can of course explore the reserve on your own if you prefer.
Our walks will be led by two experienced and good-humoured local guides from the Friends of Rye Harbour, giving us the benefit of their in-depth knowledge about the reserve and its birds.
Halfway we will take a break to have lunch and warm up in the comfortable cafe and visitor centre where you can also have a browse in the shop.
All images above © RSPB. All by Ben Andrew except Golden Plover by Paul Chesterfield
Facilities
- Visitor centre: toilets, café, shop
- Bird hides
Travel information
- Coaches depart from Stop 40B, Victoria Embankment at 8am sharp
- Arrive by 7.50am to board and stow your gear
- Nearest Tube: Embankment
- Outbound journey includes a 20-min services stop where you can use toilet facilities and buy drinks and food; no stop on return; the coach has a WC.
- Depart reserve at 4pm
What to bring
- Clothes suitable for the weather
- Binoculars (and scope if you have one)
- Packed lunch (unless you prefer to eat at the café)
Further reading
Find out more about the reserve on the SWT Rye Harbour website
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076 and in Scotland no. SC037654.
Event venue & nearby stays
Stop 40b Victoria Embankment, Victoria Embankment, London, United Kingdom
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